Marine Order 32 (Cargo handling equipment) - Australian Maritime ...

Schedule 8Requirements for specialised handling systemsSchedule 8Requirements for specialised handling systems(subsection 29.1)1 In this Schedule, specialised handling system means a method of loading orunloading cargo that employs specialised material handling equipment designedto dispense with manual handling of cargo by sling, tray, tub, pallet or similarcargo gear, including reclaiming devices, conveyor belts and the handling ofmultiple units connected together by twistlocks, banding or strapping, or similarappliances, that have not been individually tested and marked in accordancewith this Order.2 A specialised handling system must not be used in loading or unloading avessel, unless the person in charge has ensured that appropriate safetyprecautions are given effect in and near the area of operation of the system toprotect all persons against accidental injury arising from its use.3 For clause 2, appropriate safety precautions include:(a) fencing, approximately 1 m high, of wooden hurdles or rope stretched tautto be placed on shore at least 3 m from, and on each side of, the path of theload, such that the fenced area extends far enough from the vessel’s side toensure that persons do not inadvertently pass under suspended or swingingloads; and(b) where ropes are used for fencing, strips of coloured material to be placed at2 m intervals; and(c) a warning notice approximately 1 m by 500 mm clearly marked‘BEWARE—CARGO PASSING OVERHEAD—NO ENTRY’ inprominent lettering to be placed both on the vessel and on the shore inconspicuous and adequately illuminated positions; and(d) the working area in the vessel’s cargo space or spaces and on shore to besufficient to permit persons to move to a place of safety while a load isbeing hoisted or landed; and(e) access to the vessel to be provided clear of the fenced area.4 A specialised handling system must not be used in loading or unloading avessel, unless there is made available to the person in charge, the manufacturer’sspecification and operating instructions in English, including:(a) details of the manner by which the safe working load has been establishedand the safety factor used; and(b) a description of the method by which cargo should be handled and themode of operation of any control mechanisms, including the means forcutting off power in an emergency; and(c) any limitations on the use of the equipment or any of its component parts,and, unless the system is operated in the manner prescribed by, and withinthe limitations of, the manufacturer’s specification and instructions; and(d) for limited use wire lifting strappings, a test certificate must be available, inEnglish, describing the manner of the strapping construction and theminimum tensile breaking load obtained for the batch test carried out.68 Marine Order 32 (Cargo handling equipment) 2011MO32 modcomp-130604Z.docx